The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to fast-track the construction of the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project - a four (4)-lane bridge designed to provide a vital transportation link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
In an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted that the project currently stands at more than 12 percent overall physical accomplishment with construction efforts primarily focused on the bridge’s foundation or substructure. He underscored the importance of strict quality control measures to ensure the structural integrity and long-term safety of this inter-island bridge.
A key milestone was reached during the inspection of Senior Undersecretary Sadain on April 11, 2025, when the first bi-directional static load test for an offshore pile on the IGaCoS side was conducted for this flagship infrastructure project under the Build Better More program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration.
This critical procedure, which uses a load cell installed within a reinforced cage, is essential for verifying the strength and safety of deep foundation elements.
Also present during the inspection were Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of Bridges Management Cluster-Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of Roads Management Cluster 1-UPMO, Director Randy R. Del Rosario of Stakeholders Relations Service, and the DPWH SIDC Project Team headed by Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay, Project Manager Najar S. Imbin, Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, and Materials Engineer Avylmar M. Manio.
Significant progress has been made in structural works with all 74 bored piles for the east land viaduct on the Samal side completed; 73 out of 110 bored piles are poured on the west land viaduct (Davao City side), along with four (4) out of 26 columns cast at 10 meters high; and 48 bored piles for the navigation bridge (Samal and Davao sides) completed.
To ensure maritime safety, four (4) registered navigational buoys have been installed offshore in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard. With pile works on the main navigation bridge now completed, construction has advanced to the pile cap stage.
Work on the bridge ramps is also underway, with 40 out of 133 bored piles poured. Additionally, preparatory activities for road widening along Daang Maharlika have commenced, including the relocation of electric poles, fencing installation, and clearing of existing structures and obstructions.
Land acquisition is moving steadily, with 83% completion and only few remaining properties under processing.
Once completed, the SIDC will include a four-lane extradosed bridge with a 530-meter main span, 570-meter land viaduct on the Davao side and a 395-meter viaduct on the Samal side, marine viaducts measuring 350 meters (west) and 510 meters (east), and ramps connecting to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City and a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout at Barangay Limao in IGaCoS.
“In line with President Marcos’ directive to accelerate critical infrastructure, DPWH is pushing forward with the SIDC to ensure timely and transparent delivery, while staying within budget,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China and under contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the P20.84-billion design and build of SIDC is targeted for completion by 2028.
Once completed, it is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and boost tourism in the Davao Region— serving as a hallmark of progress under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
